Dive Brief:
- Craveworthy Brands has agreed to buy New England Authentic Eats, parent company of Papa Gino’s Pizzeria, according to a press release this week.
- The purchase price was not disclosed, but the acquisition will bring more than 160 restaurants and $160 million in annual revenue to Craveworthy’s portfolio.
- Over the past few years, Craveworthy Brands has acquired various midsized brands, including Fresh Brothers Pizza and Dirty Dough Cookies. It also became managing partner of Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken chain in 2025.
Dive Insight:
The deal is part of Craveworthy’s strategy to acquire established brands and use its scale to boost performance and expand concepts. The Fresh Brothers owner expects to acquire additional companies of similar scale every six to nine months.
The newest acquisition will not only bring Craveworthy to nearly 500 total units and expand its New England presence, but it also provides a means for rapid expansion of its Wing It On brand.
After the transaction closes by the end of December, Craveworthy plans to co-brand Wing It On with Papa Gino’s, expanding the wing brand from 45 units to over 145 restaurants.
Craveworthy will provide Papa Gino's a shared platform and a “hands-on approach to operations,” the press release said. The company will work with the New England Authentic Eats team to support restaurant and franchising infrastructure with shared purchasing power, integrated technology and advanced training and established systems, the press release said.
“Guided by its people, product and process philosophy, Craveworthy will focus on equipping restaurant leaders and franchisees to execute consistently, deliver exceptional hospitality and prepare for the Wing It On! rollout,” the press release said. “The approach brings the strengths of an established regional business together with the resources to support its people and pursue new growth.”
Craveworthy also has shown interest in creating food halls, opening its first multi-concept restaurant at Georgia Tech in August. Crave Kitchen serves seven brands from one location and could provide additional opportunities to grow concepts within nontraditional venues like universities, airports and stadiums.
